The Nashville Predators defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 5-2 in their second game on their three-game road trip. Although Nashville was outplayed for the majority of the game, they capitalized on their chances.
Key Stats
Goals
Kyle Turris, Colton Sissons, Calle Jarnkrok, Filip Forsberg, Nick Bonino
Assists
Ryan Ellis (2), Rocco Grimaldi, Nick Bonino, Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi, Kyle Turris
What Happened
Kyle Turris tipped the first goal of the game in the high slot past Marc-Andre Fleury. Mark Stone and Reilly Smith tacked on the next two goals, and Vegas held a 2-1 lead after one.
Nashville would then respond with four unanswered goals in the second and third periods. Colton Sissons would tie the game early in the second period, and Calle Jarnkrok blasted an Arvidsson slick pass past Fleury to give the Predators the lead. After tying the game then taking the lead, Filip Forsberg gave Nashville a cushion, as he took advantage of a turnover behind the net.
Nick Bonino would tip his second goal of the year on a Turris one-timer, and the game was over. Nashville responded after an uncharacteristic loss against the L.A. Kings with a statement win over the Knights.
Noticeable Players
Although Filip Forsberg had a rough game against the Knights, he managed to keep his points streak intact with his fifth goal of the year. On a broken play behind the net, Marc-Andre Fleury served the puck to Forsberg who slid the puck into an empty net. He did not play the last nine minutes of the game and will be a gametime decision against the Coyotes.
Kyle Turris and Nick Bonino each tipped in a goal and recorded a primary assist. Turris, whose trade talks clouded the Predators’ pregame, performed phenomenally and made the bottom six look good again. Bonino, whose luck has not just run out yet, keeps adding points to his hot start. Both players have four points thus far.
The best line against the Knights was Bonino’s line consisting of Bonino, Craig Smith, and Colton Sissons. Combined, they posted three points altogether with a 50 CF%, 57.14 SCF%, 66.67 HDCF%, and a 68.21 xGF%. Overall, whenever this line was on the ice, they were either pressing an attack in the offensive zone, or limiting shots in the defensive zone.
Given the Predators’ offense is producing at a high rate, one might assume it would be better not to fix what isn’t broken. However, placing Kyle Turris at left wing with Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson would give Nashville one of the best one-two punches in the league. Calle Jarnkrok has four points since joining the Johansen line, and to his credit, he has played well with them.
Daniel Carr, after cracking the Predators lineup in Rocco Grimaldi’s brief absence, cleared waivers and will remain with the Nashville organization. Whether his future is in Milwaukee or Nashville will be determined soon.
What’s Next?
Nashville win finish up their three game road trip in Arizona, then will host the Florida Panthers on Saturday night.
